Roach admits underestimating Algieri, set to push Pacquiao hard

Five-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach won’t be making the same mistakes again after seeing his big-hitting Russian fighter Ruslan Provodnikov beaten by Chris Algieri last June in New York.

Roach was dumbfounded at how Algieri managed to pull off the victory and take Provodnikov’s WBO light-welterweight title and now comes up against the American for a second time.

Algieri has earned a surprise shot at P4P number Manny Pacquiao on November 22 and Roach plans on beasting his Filipino star man into the best shape of his life to give the challenger no chance of prevailing.

“I underestimated Algieri when he faced Ruslan Provodnikov in June but I won’t make that mistake again,” said Roach.

“I hope he understands that this is a fight and not a marathon. Algieri is going to face the best of Manny Pacquiao because Manny is going to have his toughest training camp ever. I am looking forward to a great fight and Manny’s finest hour on November 22.”

Pacquiao, 35, is still hoping to lure Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez back into the ring for a fifth instalment of their ongoing saga and will need to impress against Algieri to keep any slim hopes alive.